Source: Red Sox To Call Up Aaron Cook

Pitcher Aaron Cook #35 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during a Grapefruit League Spring Training Game at JetBlue Park on March 22, 2012 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

BOSTON (CBS) – The Boston Red Sox will call up pitcher Aaron Cook from the minors, a source confirmed to WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche.

Cook will be added to the Red Sox roster in the coming days, possibly in place of first baseman/outfielder Lars Anderson who was optioned back to Pawtucket after Boston’s 5-3 loss to the Athletics Tuesday night.

Although the team did not call Cook up from Pawtucket by the May 1 deadline, which gave the 33-year-old the option to request his release if not promoted to the majors within 48 hours, Boston would like to hold on to another arm for their rotation or bullpen.

With the PawSox, Cook went 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA in five starts. But manager Bobby Valentine said earlier this week that Cook would be coming out of the bullpen as a reliever, with the Boston starting rotation remaining intact.

Sources also confirmed to Roche that third base prospect Will Middlebrooks will join the Red Sox, although it is not yet determined whose roster spot he will take. Kevin Youkilis and his ailing back could land on the disabled list, or Boston could option short stop Jose Iglesias back to Pawtucket.